Youth Poet Laureate

Port Moody teen, Megan Edmunds, has been named the city's Centennial Youth Poet Laureate.  More details available on our news page.

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ABOUT THE  YOUTH POET LAUREATE CONTEST

Who was eligible?

• Port Moody residents age 13-18 years.

How did the contest work?

1. Two original unpublished poems needed to be submitted.
2. Maximum 350 words per poem; one application per person.
3. Poems needed to involve the theme of Port Moody’s history (see below). 
4. Deadline for submisssions was January 31, 2013.
5. Note that shortlisted candidates were required to submit an artist statement.

Port Moody’s history theme

• All poems submitted for this contest were based on the theme of Port Moody’s history.
• This theme is intended to encourage a broad range of interpretations. Examples include, but are not limited to: Port Moody's industrial history; Port Moody's tradition of arts or architecture; experiences and thoughts of newcomers to Port Moody; Port Moody's natural history; and so on.
• More information and inspiration about Port Moody's history and centennial celebrations is available on the City of Port Moody's Centennial page.
• Entrants were encouraged to use their creativity, and to come up with their own interpretation of Port Moody’s history, and what it means to them. We wanted to hear their best ideas.

Prizes and incentives

• $500 cash prize for Youth Poet Laureate.
• $250 cash prize for runner-up.
• Winning poem will be included in the 2013 Port Moody Centennial Time Capsule and the Port Moody Museum archives.
• All poems submitted will be published in the School District 43 District Journal of Writing 2012/13.
• Community leadership opportunities, and public recognition at Port Moody Centennial Events (e.g. Golden Spike Days, Centennial Parade).
  

Judging

• Finalists were invited for an interview with the judging panel. As part of the interview, finalists  read aloud their two poems to the judges.
• Poems were judged on creativity and originality, ideas and technical excellence.
• One Youth Poet Laureate and one runner-up were selected.
  

Youth Poet Laureate responsibilities

• Must be available to attend Port Moody Centennial events requested and scheduled in advance from April to September 2013.
• Will perform duties such as reading their poems to the public, and speaking to local community and student groups about their connection to Port Moody’s history through poetry.
• May be asked to participate in library programs focused on writing or poetry for adults and/or youth.

For more information contact Lynne Russell, Director of Library Services, at lrussell@portmoody.ca  or phone 604-469-4580.